Exposing Money From Lobbyists
In August, a MASSPIRG-backed lobby reform bill, which could shed light on the often-hidden activities of lobbyists and their interactions with legislators, passed Congress and was signed by President Bush.
Working to back the bill in Massachusetts and across the country, MASSPIRG and our allies lobbied Congress and undertook a media campaign to promote this reform. All 12 members of the Massachusetts delegation voted in favor of this reform.
Under the new law, lobbyists will need to disclose their fundraising efforts on behalf of candidates. Increasingly, candidates rely on outside fundraisers, often paid lobbyists called “bundlers” who quietly raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for candidates.
“This information will help the public better identify the powerful interests who use fundraising to build access and influence,” said MASSPIRG Executive Director Janet S. Domenitz.
We’re cheered by progress like this on lobby reform, but disappointed that Congress has not yet overhauled ineffective ethics enforcement. MASSPIRG’s national lobbying office has been working closely with a special ethics task force and House leadership to fight for changes that will hold members who break the rules accountable. |
